WHAT’S AT STAKE

While both teams are virtually out of the running for the Southeastern Conference Western Division title, either team would wind up in a favorable and lucrative bowl destination by sweeping its final three games. LSU even has a shot to sneak into the Sugar Bowl.

KEY MATCHUP

Mississippi State QB Tyler Russell against LSU’s defense. Russell has 16 TDs to only three INTs, making him one of only seven QBs nationally with more than 15 TDs and fewer than four INTs. LSU’s defense ranks first against the SEC against the pass, allowing 150.3 yards per game. The Tigers also have piled up 24 sacks and 13 INTs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mississippi State: RB LaDarius Perkins is second in the conference in all-purpose yards per game (135.2) and third in rushing (89.3). When he does well, the performance of his team usually follows suit.

LSU: QB Zach Mettenberger is coming off the best game of his career against Alabama last week. He was 24-of-35 passing for 295 yards, one TD and no interceptions, nearly leading the Tigers to an upset of the top-ranked team in the nation.

FACTS & FIGURES

This marks Mississippi State’s third straight game against a team currently ranked in the top 15. The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back losses to No. 1 Alabama and No. 15 Texas A&M. … LSU, which lost to Alabama last week, has lost back-to-back games under coach Les Miles just one time. That occurred in 2008, when the Tigers fell to Ole Miss and Arkansas. LSU is 18-1 under Miles in games following a loss. … LSU hasn’t lost back-to-back games in Tiger Stadium since 2001. … LSU 46-18-1 against Mississippi State in games played in Baton Rouge. … LSU has won 12 straight and 19 of the last 20 against Mississippi State, including 10 straight in Tiger Stadium. The last time Mississippi State beat LSU came in 1999, a 17-16 victory in Starkville. . Mississippi State hasn’t won in Tiger Stadium since a 28-19 victory in 1991. … The Mississippi State record for 200-yard passing games in a season is six, shared by three QBs. Russell has five with three games left. … LSU had its school-record 22-game winning streak in Tiger Stadium snapped last week vs. Alabama.